ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

A Fire Investigation Involving Combustion of Carpet Material
Bruce McKague, A
Section head and research chemist, Chemical Technology Division, B. C. Research, British Columbia

Howard, J
Section head and research chemist, Chemical Technology Division, B. C. Research, British Columbia

(Received 11 July 1983; accepted 13 September 1983)

Abstract

Headspace samples taken from a charred carpet recovered from a fire site and from pyrolyzed styrene-butadiene copolymer were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results showed that all volatile components associated with the carpet samples could be accounted for by pyrolysis of styrene-butadiene rubber used in either foam underlays or latex carpet backing adhesives. No evidence for arson was found.

Keywords:
criminalistics, arson, chromatographic analysis, gas chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, headspace analysis, styrene-butadiene and pyrolysis

Paper ID: JFS11754J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11754J
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